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Bellamy, Robinson in battle of the best

3 minute read

Prior to their Thursday night NRL clash, Sydney Roosters and Melbourne Storm have both scored 256 points in their 15 matches against each other since 2013.

Roosters coach TRENT ROBINSON
Roosters coach TRENT ROBINSON Picture: Mark Kolbe/Getty Images

Welcome to the clash of the two NRL heavyweights that after seven years of duels across 15 matches are still so hard to split.

The two powerhouses of the past decade, Sydney Roosters (3) and Melbourne (2) have won five of the past 10 titles between them.

Minor premiership counts are even more dominant.

Since Trent Robinson's arrival in 2013 the Roosters have won four, the Storm three. No other team has claimed one.

And when they meet, it couldn't be any closer.

Melbourne have won eight clashes since 2013, scoring a combined 256 points in the match ups.

The Roosters have won seven, but have also scored 256 points in the 15 games.

A ledger of wins that could again be squared come Thursday night at Suncorp Stadium.

"I think it's because of the history (that the game is so highly anticipated)," Robinson said.

"We've played in big games, we've been in big games.

"We understand the opponent we're playing. We'll attack them as if we were playing any of the other 14 teams.

"We want to go at them and attack them in our style, the Roosters style. And that will be our method."

Robinson insists that coming up against Bellamy isn't personal for him.

Nor is it against any coach.

"I don't find it challenging, there's nothing there for me," he said.

"We get excited about every opponent, I don't rise and fall for an opposition coach.

"If you change the way you coach for an opposition coach, you're heading in the wrong direction.

But after years of battle, it does enter the way he expects a team to play.

Robinson has been around to know each coach has his own fingerprints on a team, that impact the way they play and respond to situations.

"What will a coach be saying to a team during a week or year? And how does that come out on the field?" Robinson said.

"Then you go this is the way you play, this is how we nullify that, and how do we attack it?

"That goes into your method of game planning for an opposition, but it doesn't change based on the experience of a coach."

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